The Gentleman Magazine Issue 15 | June 2019 | Page 63

This has been established for 20 years and celebrates the circuit
in its heyday (1948-1966), only cars from the era can race and
the entire site is dressed in the period along with all the visitors.
It is one of the biggest historic motor racing events in the world
and the only one held entirely in period dress.
Where to stay? The Royal Oak
Just less than 10 minutes from the Goodwood Estate sits the
stunning the Royal Oak Inn, East Lavant. The Royal Oak
Inn is an ideal base for visiting Goodwood – a dog-friendly
countryside inn combining high-quality dining with cozy
bedrooms and a relaxed bar and terrace garden; the perfect
getaway for those seeking peace, quiet and an indulgent escape
from everyday life.
The Royal Oak offers five en-suite bedrooms and three cottages,
all combining warmth, comfort and a cosy country style with
modern amenities. The trio of smart self-catering cottages are
perfect for families and longer lets.
Want to watch, rather than play? With 10 immaculate pitches
and an extensive annual fixture list of over 30 competitions,
Cowdray Park offers a laid-back and friendly atmosphere for
any of its social members, who are all welcome to watch their
games. Visit https://cowdraypolo.co.uk for more information.
Where to eat? The Welldiggers Arms
The Welldiggers Arms is an original country pub with a
spacious dining area featuring large windows overlooking the
picturesque South Downs. Perched on the outskirts of the West
Sussex town of Petworth, great British countryside is at the
heart of this 300-year old, dog friendly inn and pub.
When dining at The Welldiggers Arms, enjoy delicious food
where much of the produce is sourced locally; from the fresh
seasonal game, particularly the South Downs Venison, to the
fresh vegetables and herbs from local producers. The pub has
an extensive bar with anything from West Sussex Real Ales and
fine wines to a refreshing Sussex Chilgrove Gin. There is an
open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs prepare your food
too! To book, visit https://www.epicurean.club/collection/the-
welldiggers-arms
Food is at the heart of what they do, ensuring that their menus
feature the best flavours from West Sussex by using as many
local suppliers as possible, as well as foraging for many of the
herbs and seaweeds used. Fresh fish is caught on the South
Coast, and they utilise locally-smoked salmon, Selsey crab,
venison, partridge and pheasant. Their ice cream and much of
their cheese is also made locally. Their wine list features more
than 100 wines, and they offer a wide range of ales, beers and
spirits.
The Royal Oak hosts a ‘Taste the Season’ supper club quarterly,
which showcases the seasonal flavours of West Sussex. The
Royal Oak will be hosting its Spring 'Taste the Seasons' Supper
Club on 31st May, starting at 7pm - £70pp or £90pp (with
wines). Guests can relax and allow head chef Jamie and his
talented team indulge them for a special night showcasing the
flavours of spring in West Sussex with the best local ingredients
complemented by fine wines.
Goodwood Estate
The Goodwood Estate is perched on the edge of the South
Downs National Park, offering a wealth of sporting action.
From Cricket to Horseracing and world-famous motorsport
to flying, there is something for everyone all year round.
Horseracing has been a part of Goodwood since 1802 and
continues to be popular around the world. Consisting of 19
unique race days between May and October, there is something
for everyone to enjoy.
As for motorsport, there are two main motorsport events for
non-members. The Festival of Speed in July, which has been
going for 25 years and attracts about 250,000 visitors each year,
is based outside Goodwood House on the Hill Climb. Then
there is the Goodwood Revival in September at the Motor
Circuit.
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